Learning and Growing

Persona for Public Speaking Center

I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse figuring out what I want to do with my life but currently studying Biology.

Roles

I am a student studying Biology, but have to take a public speaking course as a General Education requirement. I am new to campus, and am trying to get more involved with different groups on campus so I can meet new people.

Goals

Get enough confidence to not panic during presentations, pass my public speaking class, and gain the confidence to join campus organizations where I can make new friends.

Challenges

I am shy, prefer to document what happens instead of being involved in it, and am overwhelmed with my new environment. I want to be behind the microscope, instead of in front of the camera. I want to go to the public speaking center to get some help with these problems, but I am nervous to go for the first time.

Demographic Background

18-20 years old

From small northern Wisconsin town

La Crosse is the biggest city she has lived in

Living in a dorm on campus

Biology major

Story

I am from a small town in Northern Wisconsin, where there were more cows than people in my town. My typical day starts with breakfast at Whitney Center, followed by going to classes, hiking the bluffs, meeting new friends in my dorm, and Instagram-ing the entire time. I like to be part of the action, but prefer to enjoy from the background. I am still getting used to being around so many people all the time, so I don’t like to talk in large groups. Instead, I prefer to communicate through the pictures I take. I don’t know what I want to do for the rest of my life, but Biology seems to be a good fit because it seems to involve lots of independent work. I know I need to get more comfortable in front of audiences, working in groups, and meeting new people, but these are all new experiences for me and it is scary.